PUBLISHED : 12 Nov 2025 at 05:05
Mon Thong Wittaya School in Chachoengsao has received government backing for urgent school renovations and athletic development after its seven-player football team became an internet sensation for winning matches despite their limited means.
Suthee Pongpianchob, assistant secretary to the education minister, visited the school in Bang Nam Prieo district on Tuesday after Deputy Prime Minister Capt Thamanat Prompow and Education Minister Naruemon Pinyosinwat pledged educational development support and backing for other equipment for underdeveloped schools in parts of Thailand.
Mr Suthee received a report on the school from Wongsakorn Prakobnan, director of the Provincial Secondary Educational Service Area Office, and Yai Yotying, its director.
“The school reported the need for support for essential renovations, such as repairing a burnt laboratory costing at least 1.8 million baht, installing an additional electricity meter, and building an artificial turf football pitch,” said Mr Suthee.
He said both ministries aimed to promote Mon Thong Wittaya School as a model school for sports development to create equal opportunities for youths nationwide.
Its football team became a nationwide sensation after the story broke on social media of their coach driving the players in an old song thaew (open-air passenger truck) to matches across Thailand. The truck has been dubbed “the dream carrier”.
The underdogs made it to second place in the 7HD Champion Cup 2025 final last weekend, losing to Chai Nat Provincial Administrative Organisation School 2–1.
The 20,000-seat Suphachalasai Stadium in Bangkok exceeded capacity that day due to the overwhelming number of spectators.
During Mr Suthee’s visit, the Capt Thamanat Prompow Foundation presented the team with a 150,000-baht education scholarship and ten footballs.
Kulpornpath Wongmajarapinya, chief executive officer of Thai Smile Bus (TSB) Company, also presented the school with an electric-driven bus, aiming to replace the ageing vehicle that went viral.
Ms Kulpornpath said the team’s story was inspiring, especially the warmth between the teammates and their coach.
“TSB believes in supporting youth development as it is a long-term investment for the nation,” she said.
Mr Yai said the new bus will be used as a mobile classroom to open up more opportunities for learning and activities for all students.